You might have stayed away, I suppose, if you would ?" I felt I was by this time on a very intimate footing with my beautiful apparition, and therefore replied, in a confidential under-tone--"Indeed, my dear Miss Vernon, I might have considered it as a sacrifice to be a temporary resident in Osbaldistone Hall, the inmates being such as you describe them; but I am convinced there is one exception that will make amends for all deficiencies." "O, you mean Rashleigh ?" said Miss Vernon.
"Indeed I do not; I was thinking--forgive me--of some person much nearer me." "I suppose it would be proper not to understand your civility ?--But that is not my way--I don't make a courtesy for it because I am sitting on horseback.

But, seriously, I deserve your exception, for I am the only conversable being about the Hall, except the old priest and Rashleigh." "And who is Rashleigh, for Heaven's sake ?" "Rashleigh is one who would fain have every one like him for his own sake.

He is Sir Hildebrand's youngest son--about your own age, but not so--not well looking, in short.

But nature has given him a mouthful of common sense, and the priest has added a bushelful of learning; he is what we call a very clever man in this country, where clever men are scarce.

Bred to the church, but in no hurry to take orders." "To the Catholic Church ?" "The Catholic Church?
what Church else ?" said the young lady.